Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article 2009 Yamaha V-Star 950 Review in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.

I still don't get the 600+ pound weights. My 1980 Shovelhead weighed a few pounds less than these bikes. Do they fill the frame tubes with lead?

Did the Shovel weigh a few pounds less on a spec chart (claimed dry weight) or on an actual calibrated scale, full of fuel and ready to ride? Also, note the V-Star has a bigger wheelbase, wheels and fenders than the Shovel.

As for the so-called 140-lb weight difference between the V-Star 650, the wet weight now claimed on Star's website says 544 lbs, a difference of 69 lbs. Perhaps this helps illuminate why OEMs are giving up on their overly optimistic claimed dry weights that had no basis in reality.

Please discuss the Motorcycle.com article 2009 Yamaha V-Star 950 Review in our Motorcycle Forums below. Use the reply button to let others know your comments or feedback on the article. Constructive criticism is always appreciated, along with your thoughts and personal opinions on the bikes and products we have tested.

I'm a newbie to cruisers(have only ridden a 150 dirt bike), but am going to buy one soon. I was going to buy a 1300, but have decided to look at the 950. Will be doing nearly all open road riding. Will the 950 handle the wind? Plan on doing some motorcycle camping as well. I'm not a big guy (5'10" 160lbs), but wonder if it has power enough to get around with camping gear in the mountains?

Yeah, you seem like a good fit for the 950. It has plenty enough power for open-road riding loaded up with gear. The 950 makes more sense for you than the $2000 more expensive 1300. I bet you'll love it.

Did the Shovel weigh a few pounds less on a spec chart (claimed dry weight) or on an actual calibrated scale, full of fuel and ready to ride? Also, note the V-Star has a bigger wheelbase, wheels and fenders than the Shovel.

As for the so-called 140-lb weight difference between the V-Star 650, the wet weight now claimed on Star's website says 544 lbs, a difference of 69 lbs. Perhaps this helps illuminate why OEMs are giving up on their overly optimistic claimed dry weights that had no basis in reality.